Major drugs lab uncovered and four men arrested following coordinated warrants
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This morning (13/06/2024) a large-scale amphetamine laboratory operating at an address in Clitheroe was uncovered by police during an early morning warrant executed by GMP’s Wigan Challenger team supported by specialists’ officers, Lancashire Police, the Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCUs), National Crime Agency, and Greater Manchester and Lancashire fire services.
The drugs lab is currently being dismantled and approximately 60kg amphetamine was seized alongside significant amounts of chemicals believed used in the production of amphetamine.
A 77-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and permitting premises to be used to produce Class B drugs.
This warrant is one of five warrants coordinated across Wigan and Lancashire at 4:30am this morning executed as part of efforts to tackle serious organised crime in Wigan.
At properties in Wigan, three men were arrested - aged 62 and 52 from Wigan and a 43 from Leigh - all on suspicion of conspiracy to produce Class B drugs and money laundering. Cash and other items suspected of being proceeds of crime were seized from the addresses.
All men are currently in custody awaiting interview.
Detective Inspector Patrick Wood, of GMP's Wigan Challenger Organised Crime Group Team, said: “As part of our widespread investigation into drugs and money laundering, we have seized a large haul of amphetamine and are dismantling a laboratory; believed to be one of largest cooking operations police have uncovered in the UK.
“There is no doubt these drugs would have been sold into communities fuelling violence, exploitation, and misery, which we have prevented today through proactive policing.
“We work closely and collaboratively with a variety of partners in our pursuit to tackle organised crime groups and prevent harm.
“Our work on the site is continuing as we gather evidence and work with emergency service colleagues, agencies and experts to assess the chemicals found and dismantle and dispose of them safely.”